Vaginoplasty: Procedure, Benefits, Risks and Recovery

Yes. Vaginoplasty is a legal treatment in India performed for cosmetic as well as medical reasons. Several hospitals across the country provide safe and effective vaginoplasty procedures. It is, however, important for the patient to get this procedure done only at licensed hospitals and clinic 

To undergo vaginoplasty, a woman should be 18 years or above. Irrespective of her marital status, if she is above 18 years, she does not require anybody else’s consent for vaginoplasty. The doctor would only need to understand the patient’s treatment needs.

A vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure to treat extreme laxity of the vagina and improve its medical and cosmetic ramifications. A vaginal tightening procedure, on the other hand, is a non-surgical procedure performed just for cosmetic purposes, chiefly to tighten loose vaginal muscles. While a vaginoplasty is also aimed at restoring the vagina’s function, and is sometimes performed for medically necessary purposes, a vaginal tightening procedure is elective and the choice to undergo it is chiefly upon the patient.

Both obstetrician-gynecologists and plastic surgeons are eligible to perform vaginoplasty or vaginal rejuvenation. Since the treatment is a cosmetic procedure, doctors from both disciples are eligible to perform it. However, a gynecologist is always the best choice for any treatment related to female genitals.

A vaginoplasty procedure is performed under general or local anesthesia, and therefore, the patients do not experience pain or discomfort during the surgery. But, the patients may experience some pain after the procedure, which can be managed through medications prescribed by the doctor.

Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure meant to tighten, fix, or improve the laxity of the female genitalia. Vaginoplasty is not a permanent fix for the genital concern you have. While vaginoplasty surgery may provide tightness to the loose vaginal walls, it never guarantees permanent tightening. Over time and with age, the vaginal walls may lose some amount of looseness again. For any other doubts and concerns that you may have, you can discuss them with your gynecologist during the consultation.

The standard OT time of vaginoplasty can be around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the patient’s condition and the gynecologist’s surgical expertise. If the procedure is done for a cosmetic procedure, it may take less time than vaginoplasty for clinical correction.

The right time for this vaginoplasty treatment would be at any point of your life during which you are not fully confident in the appearance or function of your vagina. If you think you need vaginoplasty, you can undergo the treatment. However, the surgery cannot be performed if you are on your period or if you are pregnant.

It is essential to wait at least three to six months after giving birth before undergoing a vaginoplasty. This allows sufficient time to heal any stitching that had to be done, such as an episiotomy. Additionally, the swelling and stretching from pregnancy and childbirth will subside.

Vaginoplasty does not leave any scars. The gynecologists use dissolvable sutures, which can disappear within a week or so after the surgery. An expert and experienced surgeon will generally ensure no scars after the surgery.

Most patients can return to work one week after vaginoplasty, but you may need two weeks or more. To resume regular work life, you must avoid exercise and sexual activity until you are healed (around 6 weeks).

The patient must refrain from inserting menstrual cups and tampons and not indulge in sexual activity for at least 1-1.5 months after the surgery. Since vaginoplasty leads to minor stitches around your vaginal wall, the procedure leaves the surgical site very sensitive and can lead to tearing because of penetration. Penetration before complete recovery can lead to internal bleeding, infections, and multiple gynecological complications. The best time to resume sexual intercourse after a vaginoplasty is whenever the doctors suggest that you are fit.

A vaginoplasty procedure may be performed to address medical or cosmetic concerns. It is important to note that a vaginoplasty procedure performed to address cosmetic concerns or for vaginal rejuvenation isn’t typically covered under insurance. Insurance companies in India do not include any vaginal rejuvenation procedures, including vaginoplasty in their health insurance and mediclaim plans.

However, in cases where this procedure is performed for medical or functional reasons such as urinary incontinence or severe pelvic prolapse, insurance companies may cover it under their health insurance and mediclaim policies. At Pristyn Care, we accept all insurances and also provide complete insurance assistance to the patients. In addition, if the insurance does not cover the treatment cost, we ease the financial burden of the patients with our No Cost EMI offers, and affordable treatment prices. 

Know More: Is Vaginoplasty covered under Insurance?

Here are a few tips that may help you choose the best clinic for vaginoplasty:

• Look for reviews and testimonials from previous patients. What have been their experiences of getting treatment at the clinic?
• Are the doctors associated with the clinic trained and experienced enough? What are their surgical experience and expertise?
• Are the medical staff helpful and cooperating? Are they willing to help you whenever you need them?
• Is the clinic equipped with advanced medical and surgical equipment required for vaginoplasty?

Vaginoplasty is linked with improving sexual stimulation and sensitivity during sex, and enhancing overall sexual health. In addition, if a vaginoplasty is performed for the treatment of issues such as urine leakage or loose vagina, it can really help enhance an individual’s sex life.

If performed under the supervision of a trained and experienced gynecologist, the success rate of vaginoplasty can be as high as 85-90 percent.